Conveyor belt with advertising, method and apparatus for making same

ABSTRACT

A conveyor belt with advertising is fabricated by coating at least one flexible belting member with a vinyl size coating. A white base coat is applied over the vinyl size coating. Special white PVC coated belting material is also used. A variety of printing processes are used to print advertising images on the belting member. These processes include silkscreen, flexographic, offset and digital inkjet printing. The belting member may be coated with a clear coating material and cured under ultraviolet lighting. The belting members may be made in lengths shorter than the entire length of the conveyor belt with removable attachment means, permitting individual advertising images to be replaced without replacing the entire conveyor belt. Methods for fabricating the belting members including ink formulations, handling and drying steps are also described.

EARLIER FIELD APPLICATION

[0001] The instant application is a continuation-in-part of applicant'sprior application filed Feb. 28, 2002 and having Ser. No. 09/864,521,the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention pertains to surface treatments for conveyor belts.More particularly, the invention relates to conveyor belts havingadvertisements printed on an outer surface for viewing by consumers inretail establishments and methods of fabricating such belts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Various techniques have been developed for using the surface areaof conveyor belts in supermarkets and other retail establishments asadvertising space. Making effective use of this space has often beenproblematic due to the flexible nature of the conveyor belts, thecontinuous wear associated with objects placed on the belts and therelative complexity of systems designed to deal with these problems.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,525 issued to Vonholm et al. is directed to amethod for application of removable information and advertising indiciaon a conveyor belt in cashier counters in grocery stores, airports, etc.The method includes use of a heat/pressure press to press down parts ofthe conveyor belt to form recesses in the conveyor belt surface.

[0005] Foil/sticker advertising media are inserted into the recesses.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,828 issued to Smallwood, discloses a anendless belt display device incorporating a transparent panel having allbut one edge bonded to the top surface of the belt. The open edgeprovides a pocket in the transparent panel in which advertising mediamay be placed. The unbonded edge and the top edge of the transparentpanel are in direct contact with one another as the belt is rotated.Means are provided for tightening and loosening the belt to allowreplacement of the advertising media. Patent No. WO 00/69759, issued toPayne is directed to a conveyor belt comprising a substrate layer withan information display formed on the uppermost surface thereof. One ormore transparent or translucent coating layers of a thermosettingplastic material overlay the substrate layer such that the informationis visible through the coating layers.

[0007] Patent No. EP 0 478 866 A1 issued to Munkner is directed toprecut posters printed with advertisement that are adhered tobelt-plates forming a conveyor belt as at an airport luggage conveyor.The posters are formed of polyethylene or similar synthetics on whichadvertising messages are printed in indelible scratch-free inks andsecured in place with pressure sensitive adhesives or similar adhesiveemulsions over the belt-plates of a conveyor.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,094 issued to Molinaro et al., the presentinventor, reference is directed to checkout conveyor belts incorporatingchangeable display advertising. The changeable advertising media isprinted on static cling sheets that are adhered to the conveyor belt byelectrostatic attraction or low friction coating applied to the visiblesurface of the static cling sheets. An adhesive strip is alternativelyemployed to secure the leading edge of the static cling sheet to theouter surface of the belt.

[0009] While other variations exist, the above-described inventions forproviding advertising on conveyor belts are typical of those encounteredin the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provideadvertising on conveyor belts that is bright, colorful and resistant tochemical spills and abrasion. It is a further objective to provide suchadvertising through methods that are economical and can be easilyreproduced. It is a still further objective of the invention to providethe above-described features in a conveyor belt that will resistcracking of the advertising images as the belt is flexed and as itexpands and contracts due to temperature changes. While some of theobjectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, noneof the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of priorart conveyor belts with advertising and methods of making same andsatisfies all of the objectives described above.

[0011] A conveyor belt with advertising providing the desired featuresmay be constructed from the following components. At least one beltingmember, the belting member has a first predetermined length, an uppersurface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and firstand second ends. At least one advertising image is provided. Theadvertising image is printed upon the upper surface. Means are providedfor removably attaching one of the first ends to one of the second ends.

[0012] In a variant of the invention, at least one belting member isprovided. The belting member has a first predetermined length, an uppersurface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and firstand second ends. A white base coating is provided. The white basecoating is adhered to the upper surface. At least one advertising imageis provided. The advertising image is printed upon the white basecoating. Means are provided for removably attaching one of the firstends to one of the second ends.

[0013] In another variant, at least one belting member is provided. Thebelting member has a first predetermined length, an upper surface, alower surface, first and second parallel side edges and first and secondends. A vinyl size coating is provided. The vinyl size coating isapplied to the upper surface. A white base coating is provided. Thewhite base coating is adhered to the upper surface over the vinyl sizecoating. At least one advertising image is provided. The advertisingimage is printed upon the white base coating. Means are provided forremovably attaching one of the first ends to one of the second ends.

[0014] In still another variant, at least one belting member isprovided. The belting member has a first predetermined length, an uppersurface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and firstand second ends. The belting member is formed of either white orlight-colored material. A vinyl size coating is provided. The vinyl sizecoating is applied to the upper surface. At least one advertising imageis provided. The advertising image is printed upon the vinyl sizecoating. Means are provided for removably attaching one of the firstends to one of the second ends.

[0015] In a further variant, the belting member is formed of materialshaving anti-static properties.

[0016] In still a further variant, the belting member is formed ofpolyvinyl chloride material and the upper surface has a matte smoothsurface having a hardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro.

[0017] In yet a further variant, the predetermined length of the beltingmember is less than an entire length of the conveyor belt, permittingreplacement of a portion of the entire length of the conveyor belt.

[0018] In another variant of the invention, a method for making aconveyor belt for use in a retail establishment, includes the followingsteps: Developing advertising images for printing onto at least onebelting member. Preparing a color separation image for each color to beprinted on the belting member for the advertising image. Preparing meansto print each of the color separation images successively onto thebelting member. The separation images are to be printed in registrationwith one another. Providing at least one belting member. The beltingmember having a first predetermined length, an upper surface, a lowersurface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends.Cleaning the belting member to remove any contaminants. Coating theupper surface of the belting member with a vinyl size material. Applyinga white base coating to the upper surface over the vinyl size material.Printing each of the color separation images successively onto thebelting member in registration with one another. Curing the advertisingimage on the belting member. Supporting the belting member to preventeither of flexing and contact with the advertising image for apredetermined post cure period. Inspecting the belting members forprinting defects. Connecting attaching means to each of the first andsecond ends.

[0019] In still another variant, a method for making a conveyor belt foruse in a retail establishment, includes the following steps: Developingadvertising images for printing onto at least one belting member.Preparing a color separation image for each color to be printed on thebelting member for the advertising image. Preparing means to print eachof the color separation images successively onto the belting member. Theseparation images are to be printed in registration with one another.Providing at least one belting member, the belting member having a firstpredetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first andsecond parallel side edges and first and second ends. The belting memberis formed of either white or light-colored material. Cleaning thebelting member to remove any contaminants. Coating the upper surface ofthe belting member with a vinyl size material. Printing each of thecolor separation images successively onto the belting member inregistration with one another. Curing the advertising image on thebelting member. Supporting the belting member to prevent either offlexing and contact with the advertising image for a predetermined postcure period. Inspecting the belting members for printing defects.Connecting attaching means to each of the first and second ends.

[0020] In still a further variant of the invention, the advertisingimages are prepared in digital format and the color separation imagesare produced from the digital format.

[0021] In yet a further variant, the means to print each of the colorseparation images successively onto the belting member is a silkscreenprocess.

[0022] In another variant, the means to print each of the colorseparation images successively onto the belting member is an offsetprinting process.

[0023] In still another variant, the means to print each of the colorseparation images successively onto the belting member is a flexographicprinting process.

[0024] In yet another variant, the belting member is formed of materialshaving anti-static properties.

[0025] In yet a further variant, the belting member is formed ofpolyvinyl chloride material and the upper surface has a matte smoothsurface having a hardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro.

[0026] In still a further variant of the invention, the belting memberis cleaned using a solution that includes agents chosen from the groupincluding: methyl alcohol and toluene.

[0027] In another variant, the advertising image to be printed iscomposed of only spot colors and the inks printed on the belting memberare conventional inks.

[0028] In yet another variant, the advertising image to be printed is afour-color process image and the inks printed on the belting member areultraviolet ink.

[0029] In still another variant, the inks are cured using an ultravioletlight source, the ultraviolet light source having a power rating from100 watts to 300 watts.

[0030] In a further variant of the invention, the belting member ismoved under the ultraviolet light source at a speed ranging from 20 to40 feet per minute.

[0031] In yet a further variant, the post cure period ranges from 48 to72 hours.

[0032] In still a further variant, a method for making a conveyor beltfor use in a retail establishment further includes the steps of:Preparing a silkscreen for each color separation image. Registering afirst of the silk screens to the belting member. Printing a first colorink on the belting member through the first silkscreen over the whitebase coating. Removing the first silkscreen. Registering, printingthrough and removing succeeding silk screens for each additional colorink for each advertising image.

[0033] In yet a another variant, a method for making a conveyor belt foruse in a retail establishment further includes the steps of: Preparing asilkscreen for each color separation image. Registering a first of thesilk screens to the belting member. Printing a first color ink on thebelting member through the first silkscreen. Removing the firstsilkscreen. Registering, printing through and removing succeeding silkscreens for each additional color ink for each advertising image.

[0034] In still another variant of the invention, a method for making aconveyor belt for use in a retail establishment wherein the preparationof a silkscreen for each color separation image further includes thesteps of: Preparing a film negative for each color separation image.Preparing a frame for each silkscreen. Tensioning and securing eachsilkscreen to one of the frames. Registering the film negative on thesilkscreen. Exposing the silkscreen to a metal halide light source for aperiod of time ranging from four to seven minutes. Removing the filmnegative from the silkscreen.

[0035] In a further variant, the film negative is capable of yielding animage having a resolution of at least 84 lines per screen and 600 dotsper inch.

[0036] In still a further variant, the silk screens are tensioned on theframes with a force 14-25 newtons.

[0037] In yet a further variant, the silkscreen has a mesh count rangingbetween 230 and 420 cells per square inch.

[0038] In another variant, the ink is comprised of an adhesion componentand a colored ink component.

[0039] In still another variant, the adhesion component is comprised ofan adhesion promoter and a mixing clear agent, the adhesion promoter is0.05% to 20% of the adhesion component by weight with the mixing clearagent is the corresponding percentage of the adhesion component byweight.

[0040] In yet another variant, the ink is comprised of 0.05% to 20%adhesion component by weight with the colored ink component is thecorresponding percentage of the ink by weight.

[0041] In a further variant, the colored ink component is comprised of:acrylated oligomers 20-55% by weight, n-vinyl-2 pyrrolidone 12-25% byweight, and acrylated monomers 8-20% by weight.

[0042] In still a further variant, the adhesion promoter is comprisedof: urethane 10-20% by weight, xylen 20-25% by weight and n-vinylpyrrolidone 10-20% by weight.

[0043] In yet a further variant, the mixing clear agent is comprised of:acrylated monomers 20-60% by weight, furanone 5-10% by weight andcyclohexanome 10-20% by weight.

[0044] In a another variant of the invention, the vinyl size material iscomprised of: methyl isobutyl ketone 10-20% by weight,1,3,6-trimethylbenzene 5-10% by weight, xylene 1-5% by weight, vinylresin 6-10% by weight, light aromatic solvent naptha 20-30% by weight,isophorone 5-10% by weight, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic acidterpolyme 1-5% by weight, pseudocumene 20-30% by weight, and cumene 1-5%by weight.

[0045] In still another variant, the belting member includes a topsurface coating formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0046] In yet another variant of the invention, the belting memberincludes laterally stiff fabric having polyester warp and weft threads.

[0047] In still another variant, the belting member has an approximatecover hardness of 65duro shore A.

[0048] In still a further variant, the upper surface of the beltingmember has a matt finish.

[0049] In yet a further variant, the means for removably attaching oneof the first ends to one of the second ends includes a plurality ofindividual hooks welded to a common bar.

[0050] In another variant of the invention, an apparatus for making aconveyor belt with advertising, includes a roll of flexible beltingmaterial. The belting material has a white upper surface. A first motordriven geared winding stand is provided. The first winding standsupports the roll of belting material. A roll-fed digital plotter isprovided. The plotter operates at a speed compatible with the firstwinding stand. Printing ink is provided. The printing ink is formulatedfor use with the plotter and is suitable for permanent printing upon theupper surface of the belting material. A digital image of advertisingmaterial is provided. The digital image is stored on either magnetic oroptical media.

[0051] Means are provided for transmitting the digital image to theplotter. A drying chamber is provided. The drying chamber dries the inkafter the belting material passes through the plotter. A second motordriven geared winding stand is provided. The second winding standoperates at a speed compatible with the plotter and is configured andlocated to receive the belting material from the drying chamber. Acoating material is provided. A coating station is provided. The coatingstation is located adjacent to the second winding stand and applies thecoating material to the upper surface of the belting material afterprinting. An ultraviolet dryer is provided. The ultraviolet dryer driesthe coating material.

[0052] A third motor driven geared winding stand is provided. The thirdwinding stand operates at a speed compatible with the second windingstand and is configured and located to receive the belting material fromthe ultraviolet dryer. A cutting station is provided. The cuttingstation serves to trim the belting material into a series of beltingmembers. The belting members have a first predetermined length, firstand second parallel side edges and first and second ends. A finishingstation is provided. The finishing station serves to affix means forremovably attaching one of the first ends of the belting members to oneof the second ends and prepares the belting members for shipment.

[0053] In still another variant, the apparatus for making a conveyorbelt with advertising further includes a raster image processingstation. The raster image processing station provides color management,color density adjustment and the use of International Color Consortiumprofiles.

[0054] In yet another variant, the apparatus for making a conveyor beltwith advertising further includes a color calibration tool.

[0055] In yet a further variant of the invention the ink is comprised ofpropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate 20-30% by weight,2-butoxyethanol acetate 50-80% by weight, resin mixture 3-4% by weight;and pigment mixture 4-6% by weight.

[0056] In another variant, the coating material is comprised of n-methylpyrrolidinone less than 10% by weight, 1-mathoxy-2-propanol (PM) lessthan 5% by weight, aromatic hydrocarbon mixture less than 5% by weight,ultraviolet absorber less than 5% by weight and dipropylene glycolmonomethyl ether less than 5% by weight.

[0057] A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising, includesthe following steps: providing a roll of flexible belting material, thebelting material has a white upper surface; providing a first motordriven geared winding stand, the first winding stand supports the rollof belting material; providing a roll-fed digital plotter, the plotteroperates at a speed compatible with the first winding stand; providingprinting ink, the printing ink is formulated for use with the plotterand is suitable for permanent printing upon the upper surface of thebelting material; providing a digital image of advertising material;storing the digital image on either magnetic or optical media; unwindingthe belting material from the first winding stand; feeding the beltingmaterial into the plotter; transmitting the digital image to theplotter; printing the digital image on the upper surface of the beltingmaterial; providing a drying chamber; drying the ink after the beltingmaterial passes through the plotter; providing a second motor drivengeared winding stand, the second winding stand operates at a speedcompatible with the plotter and is configured and located to receive thebelting material from the drying chamber; winding the belting materialonto the second winding stand; providing a coating station, the coatingstation is located adjacent to the second winding stand; unwinding thebelting material from the second winding stand; feeding the beltingmaterial from the second winding stand into the coating station;providing coating material; coating the upper surface of the beltingmaterial after printing; providing an ultraviolet dryer; drying thecoating material using the ultraviolet dryer; providing a third motordriven geared winding stand, the third winding stand operates at a speedcompatible with the second winding stand and is configured and locatedto receive the belting material from the ultraviolet dryer; winding thebelting material onto the third winding stand; providing a cuttingstation; unwinding the belting material from the third winding stand;feeding the belting material into the cutting station; trimming thebelting material into a series of belting members; the belting membershave a first predetermined length, first and second parallel side edgesand first and second ends; and providing a finishing station; moving thebelting members into the finishing station; and affixing means forremovably attaching one of the first ends of the belting members to oneof the second ends and preparing the belting members for shipment.

[0058] An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the presentinvention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to theaccompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferredembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theinvention including multiple advertising images printed on a beltingmember;

[0060]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a belting member with printed advertisingthereon;

[0061]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a belting member curved forjoining as a conveyor belt;

[0062]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a series of belting members with printedadvertising that may be joined to form a conveyor belt;

[0063]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a means for joining belting member endstogether along the line 5-5;

[0064]FIG. 6 is a side view of a means for joining belting member endstogether along the line 6-6;

[0065]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the inventionincluding advertising images printed on a belting member having a blackcolored upper surface, illustrating the vinyl sizing, white base coatingand ink layers of coating applied;

[0066]FIG. 7A is a plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the inventionincluding advertising images printed on a belting member illustratingthe ink layer of coating applied;

[0067]FIG. 8 is a plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the inventionincluding advertising images printed on a belting member having a whiteor light colored upper surface, illustrating the vinyl sizing and inklayers of coating applied;

[0068]FIG. 8A is a plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the inventionincluding advertising images printed on a belting member illustratingthe white base coating and ink layers applied;

[0069]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a color separation image beingused to prepare a silkscreen for making the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0070]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a silkscreen process for makingthe FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0071]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the belting member after thesilkscreen process has been used for making the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0072]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of abelting member illustrating a PVC surface layer and a clear coatingmaterial;

[0073]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of abelting member illustrating a stiff fabric comprising polyester warp andweft threads;

[0074]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of an alternative apparatus formaking conveyor belts with advertising illustrating first and secondmotor driven winding stands;

[0075]FIG. 15 is a plan view of the FIG. 14 embodiment;

[0076]FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the second and third motordriven winding stands and a coating and ultraviolet drying station;

[0077]FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a cutting station;

[0078]FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a finishing station forattaching the means for attaching a first end of a belting member to asecond end of a belting member;

[0079]FIG. 18a is a plan view of the means of FIG. 18.

[0080]FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the FIG. 18a meansattached to a pair of belting members; and

[0081]FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of belting members being boxedfor shipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0082] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a conveyor belt with advertising 10providing the desired features that may be constructed from thefollowing components. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, at least one beltingmember 16 is provided. The belting member 16 has a first predeterminedlength (not shown), an upper surface 24, a lower surface 28, first 32and second 36 parallel side edges and first 40 and second (not shown)ends. At least one advertising image 54 is provided. The advertisingimage 54 is printed upon the upper surface 24. Means 58 are provided forremovably attaching one of the first ends 40 to one of the second ends.

[0083] In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, atleast one belting member 64 is provided. The belting member 64 has afirst predetermined length (not shown), an upper surface 72, a lowersurface 76, first 80 and second 84 parallel side edges and first 88 andsecond (not shown) ends. A white base coating 50 is provided. The whitebase coating 50 is adhered to the upper surface 76. At least oneadvertising image 54 is provided. The advertising image 54 is printedupon the white base coating 50. Means 58 are provided for removablyattaching one of the first ends 88 to one of the second ends.

[0084] In another variant of the invention, at least one belting member14 is provided. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the belting member 14 has afirst predetermined length 18, an upper surface 22, a lower surface 26,first 30 and second 34 parallel side edges and first 38 and second 42ends. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a vinyl size coating 46 is provided. Thevinyl size coating 46 is applied to the upper surface 22. A white basecoating 50 is provided. The white base coating 50 is adhered to theupper surface 22 over the vinyl size coating 46. At least oneadvertising image 54 is provided. The advertising image 54 is printedupon the white base coating 50. Means 58 are provided for removablyattaching one of the first ends 38 to one of the second ends 42.

[0085] In still another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG.8, at least one belting member 62 is provided. The belting member 62 hasa first predetermined length (not shown), an upper surface 70, a lowersurface 74, first 78 and second 82 parallel side edges and first 86 andsecond (not shown) ends. The belting member 62 is formed of either whiteor light-colored material 94. A vinyl size coating 46 is provided. Thevinyl size coating 46 is applied to the upper surface 70. At least oneadvertising image 54 is provided. The advertising image 54 is printedupon the vinyl size coating 46. Means 58 are provided for removablyattaching 10 one of the first ends 86 to one of the second ends.

[0086] In a further variant, the belting member 14, 62 is formed ofmaterials having anti-static properties.

[0087] In still a further variant, the belting member 14, 62 is formedof polyvinyl chloride material and the upper surface 22, 70 has a mattesmooth surface having a hardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro.

[0088] In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 4, thepredetermined length 18, 66 of the belting member 14, 62 is less than anentire length 98 of the conveyor belt 10, permitting replacement of aportion 102 of the entire length 98 of the conveyor belt 10.

[0089] In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 7and 9-11, a method for making a conveyor belt 10 for use in a retailestablishment, includes the following steps: Developing advertisingimages 54 for printing onto at least one belting member 14. Preparing acolor separation image 106 for each color to be printed on the beltingmember 14 for the advertising image 54. Preparing means 114 to printeach of the color separation images 106 successively onto the beltingmember 14. The separation images 106 are to be printed in registrationwith one another. Providing at least one belting member 14. The beltingmember 14 has a first predetermined length 18, an upper surface 22, alower surface 26, first 30 and second 34 parallel side edges and first38 and second 42 ends. Cleaning the belting member 14 to remove anycontaminants. Coating the upper surface 22 of the belting member 14 witha vinyl size material 46. Applying a white base coating 50 to the uppersurface 22 over the vinyl size material 46. Printing each of the colorseparation images 106 successively onto the belting member 14 inregistration with one another. Curing the advertising image 54 on thebelting member 14. Supporting the belting member 14 to prevent eitherflexing or contact with the advertising image 54 for a predeterminedpost cure period. Inspecting the belting member 14 for printing defects.Connecting attaching means 58 to each of the first 38 and second 42ends.

[0090] In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and 9-11, amethod for making a conveyor belt 10 for use in a retail establishment,includes the following steps: Developing advertising images 54 forprinting onto at least one belting member 62. Preparing a colorseparation image 106 for each color to be printed on the belting member62 for the advertising image 54. Preparing means 114 to print each ofthe color separation images 106 successively onto the belting member 62.The separation images 106 are to be printed in registration with oneanother. Providing at least one belting member 62. The belting member 62having a first predetermined length, an upper surface 70, a lowersurface 74, first 78 and second 82 parallel side edges and first 86 andsecond 90 ends. The belting member 62 is formed of either white orlight-colored material 94. Cleaning the belting member 62 to remove anycontaminants. Coating the upper surface 70 of the belting member 62 witha vinyl size material 46. Printing each of the color separation images106 successively onto the belting member 62 in registration with oneanother. Curing the advertising image 54 on the belting member 62.Supporting the belting member 62 to prevent either of flexing andcontact with the advertising image 54 for a predetermined post cureperiod. Inspecting the belting members 54 for printing defects.Connecting attaching means 58 to each of the first 86 and second 90ends.

[0091] In still a further variant of the invention, the advertisingimages 54 are prepared in digital format and the color separation images106 are produced from the digital format.

[0092] In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 9-11, the means114 to print each of the color separation images 106 successively ontothe belting member 14, 62 is a silkscreen process 118.

[0093] In another variant, the means 114 to print each of the colorseparation images 106 successively onto the belting member 14, 62 is anoffset printing process (not shown).

[0094] In still another variant, the means 114 to print each of thecolor separation images 106 successively onto the belting member 14, 62is a flexographic printing process (not shown).

[0095] In yet another variant, the belting member 14, 62 is formed ofmaterials having anti-static properties.

[0096] In yet a further variant, the belting member 14, 62 is formed ofpolyvinyl chloride material and the upper surface 22, 70 has a mattesmooth surface having a hardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro.

[0097] In still a further variant of the invention, the belting member14, 62 is cleaned using a solution that includes agents chosen from thegroup including: methyl alcohol and toluene.

[0098] In another variant, the advertising image 54 to be printed iscomposed of only spot colors and the inks 126 printed on the beltingmember 14, 62 are conventional inks.

[0099] In yet another variant, the advertising image 54 to be printed isa four-color process image and the inks printed on the belting memberare ultraviolet ink.

[0100] In still another variant, the inks 126 are cured using anultraviolet light source (not shown), the ultraviolet light sourcehaving a power rating from 100 watts to 300 watts.

[0101] In a further variant of the invention, the belting member 14, 62is moved under the ultraviolet light source at a speed ranging from 20to 40 feet per minute.

[0102] In yet a further variant, the post cure period ranges from 48 to72 hours.

[0103] In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9-11, amethod for making a conveyor belt 10 for use in a retail establishmentfurther includes the steps of: Preparing a silkscreen 134 for each colorseparation image 106. Registering a first of the silk screens 134 to thebelting member 14. Printing a first color ink 126 on the belting member14 through the first silkscreen 134 over the white base coating 50.Removing the first silkscreen 134. Registering, printing through andremoving succeeding silk screens 134 for each additional color ink 126for each advertising image 54.

[0104] In yet a another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9-11, amethod for making a conveyor belt 10 for use in a retail establishmentfurther includes the steps of: Preparing a silkscreen 134 for each colorseparation image 106. Registering a first of the silk screens 134 to thebelting member 62. Printing a first color ink 126 on the belting member62 through the first silkscreen 134. Removing the first silkscreen 134.Registering, printing through and removing succeeding silk screens 134for each additional color ink 126 for each advertising image 54.

[0105] In still another variant of the invention, as illustrated inFIGS. 9-11, a method for making a conveyor belt 10 for use in a retailestablishment wherein the preparation of a silkscreen 134 for each colorseparation image 106 further includes the steps of: Preparing a filmnegative 138 for each color separation image 106. Preparing a frame 142for each silkscreen 134. Tensioning and securing each silkscreen 134 toone of the frames 142. Registering the film negative 138 on thesilkscreen 134. Exposing the silkscreen 134 to a metal halide lightsource 146 for a period of time ranging from four to seven minutes.Removing the film negative 138 from the silkscreen 134.

[0106] In a further variant, the film negative 138 is capable ofyielding an image having a resolution of at least 84 lines per screenand 600 dots per inch.

[0107] In still a further variant, the silk screens 134 are tensioned onthe frames 142 with a force 14-25 newtons.

[0108] In yet a further variant, the silkscreen 134 has a mesh countranging between 230 and 420 cells per square inch.

[0109] In another variant, the ink 126 is comprised of an adhesioncomponent and a colored ink component.

[0110] In still another variant, the adhesion component is comprised ofan adhesion promoter and a mixing clear agent, the adhesion promoter is0.05% to 20% of the adhesion component by weight with the mixing clearagent is the corresponding percentage of the adhesion component byweight.

[0111] In yet another variant, the ink is comprised of 0.05% to 20%adhesion component by weight with the colored ink component is thecorresponding percentage of the ink by weight.

[0112] In a further variant, the colored ink component is comprised of:acrylated oligomers 20-55% by weight, n-vinyl-2 pyrrolidone 12-25% byweight, and acrylated monomers 8-20% by weight.

[0113] In still a further variant, the adhesion promoter is comprisedof: urethane 10-20% by weight, xylen 20-25% by weight and n-vinylpyrrolidone 10-20% by weight.

[0114] In yet a further variant, the mixing clear agent is comprised ofacrylated monomers 20-60% by weight, furanone 5-10% by weight andcyclohexanome 10-20% by weight.

[0115] In a final variant of the invention, the vinyl size material iscomprised of: methyl isobutyl ketone 10-20% by weight,1,3,6-trimethylbenzene 5-10% by weight, xylene 1-5% by weight, vinylresin 6-10% by weight, light aromatic solvent naptha 20-30% by weight,isophorone 5-10% by weight, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic acidterpolyme 1-5% by weight, pseudocumene 20-30% by weight, and cumene 1-5%by weight.

[0116] In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the beltingmember 16 includes a top surface coating 150 formed of polyvinylchloride (PVC).

[0117] In yet another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG.13, the belting member 16 includes laterally stiff fabric 154 havingpolyester warp 158 and weft 162 threads.

[0118] In still another variant, the belting member 16 has anapproximate cover hardness of 65duro shore A.

[0119] In still a further variant, as also illustrated in FIG. 13, theupper surface 24 of the belting member 16 has a matt finish.

[0120] In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 18, 18a and 19,the means 58 for removably attaching one of the first ends 40 to one ofthe second ends includes a plurality of individual hooks 166 welded to acommon bar 170.

[0121] In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 14,15 and 16, an apparatus 174 for making a conveyor belt with advertising10 includes a roll of flexible belting material 178. The beltingmaterial 178 has a white upper surface 182. A first motor driven gearedwinding stand 186 is provided. The first winding stand 186 supports theroll of belting material 178. A roll-fed digital plotter 190 isprovided. The plotter 190 operates at a speed compatible with the firstwinding stand 186. Printing ink 194 is provided. The printing ink 194 isformulated for use with the plotter 190 and is suitable for permanentprinting upon the upper surface 182 of the belting material 178. Adigital image of advertising material 198 is provided. The digital image198 is stored on either magnetic or optical media (not shown).

[0122] Means 202 are provided for transmitting the digital image 198 tothe plotter 190. A drying chamber 206 is provided. The drying chamber206 dries the ink 194 after the belting material 178 passes through theplotter 190. A second motor driven geared winding stand 210 is provided.The second winding stand 210 operates at a speed compatible with theplotter 190 and is configured and located to receive the beltingmaterial 178 from the drying chamber 206. A coating material 214 isprovided. A coating station 218 is provided. The coating station 218 islocated adjacent to the second winding stand 210 and applies the coatingmaterial 214 to the upper surface 182 of the belting material 178 afterprinting. An ultraviolet dryer 222 is provided. The ultraviolet dryer222 dries the coating material 214.

[0123] A third motor driven geared winding stand 226 is provided. Thethird winding stand 226 operates at a speed compatible with the secondwinding stand 210 and is configured and located to receive the beltingmaterial 178 from the ultraviolet dryer 222. A cutting station 230 isprovided. The cutting station 230 serves to trim the belting material178 into a series of belting members 16. The belting members 16 have afirst predetermined length, first 32 and second 36 parallel side edgesand first 40 and second ends. A finishing station 234 is provided. Thefinishing station 234 serves to affix means 58 for removably attachingone of the first ends 40 of the belting members 16 to one of the secondends and prepares the belting members 16 for shipment.

[0124] In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 14, theapparatus 174 for making a conveyor belt with advertising furtherincludes a raster image processing station 238. The raster imageprocessing station 238 provides color management, color densityadjustment and the use of International Color Consortium profiles.

[0125] In yet another variant, as also illustrated in FIG. 14, theapparatus for making a conveyor belt with advertising further includes acolor calibration tool 242.

[0126] In yet a further variant of the invention the ink 194 iscomprised of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate 20-30% by weight,2-butoxyethanol acetate 50-80% by weight, resin mixture 3-4% by weight;and pigment mixture 4-6% by weight.

[0127] In another variant, the coating material 214 is comprised ofn-methyl pyrrolidinone less than 10% by weight, 1-mathoxy-2-propanol(PM) less than 5% by weight, aromatic hydrocarbon mixture less than 5%by weight, ultraviolet absorber less than 5% by weight and dipropyleneglycol monomethyl ether less than 5% by weight.

[0128] A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising 10, asillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14-20, includes the following steps:providing a roll of flexible belting material 178, the belting material178 has a white upper surface 182; providing a first motor driven gearedwinding stand 186, the first winding stand 186 supports the roll ofbelting material 178; providing a roll-fed digital plotter 190, theplotter 190 operates at a speed compatible with the first winding stand186; providing printing ink 194, the printing ink 194 is formulated foruse with the plotter 190 and is suitable for permanent printing upon theupper surface 182 of the belting material 178; providing a digital imageof advertising material 198; storing the digital image 198 on eithermagnetic or optical media; unwinding the belting material 178 from thefirst winding stand 186; feeding the belting material 178 into theplotter 190; transmitting the digital image 198 to the plotter 190;printing the digital image 198 on the upper surface 182 of the beltingmaterial 178; providing a drying chamber 206; drying the ink 198 afterthe belting material 178 passes through the plotter 190; providing asecond motor driven geared winding stand 210, the second winding stand190 operates at a speed compatible with the plotter 190 and isconfigured and located to receive the belting material 178 from thedrying chamber 206; winding the belting material 178 onto the secondwinding stand 190; providing coating material 214; providing a coatingstation 218, the coating station 218 is located adjacent to the secondwinding stand 210; unwinding the belting material 178 from the secondwinding stand 210; feeding the belting material 178 from the secondwinding stand 210 into the coating station 218; coating the uppersurface 182 of the belting material 178 after printing; providing anultraviolet dryer 222; drying the coating material 214 using theultraviolet dryer 222; providing a third motor driven geared windingstand 226, the third winding stand 226 operates at a speed compatiblewith the second winding stand 210 and is configured and located toreceive the belting material 178 from the ultraviolet dryer 222; windingthe belting material 178 onto the third winding stand 226; providing acutting station 230; unwinding the belting material 178 from the thirdwinding stand 226; feeding the belting material 178 into the cuttingstation 230; trimming the belting material 178 into a series of beltingmembers 16; the belting members 16 have a first predetermined length,first 32 and second 36 parallel side edges and first 40 and second ends;and providing a finishing station 234; moving the belting members 16into the finishing station 234; and affixing means 58 for removablyattaching one of the first ends 40 of the belting members 16 to one ofthe second ends and preparing the belting members 16 for shipment.

[0129] The conveyor belts with advertising and method of making same 10have been described with reference to particular embodiments. Othermodifications and enhancements can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the claims that follow.

1. A conveyor belt with advertising comprising: at least one beltingmember, said belting member having a first predetermined length, anupper surface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges andfirst and second ends; at least one advertising image, said advertisingimage being printed upon said upper surface; and means for removablyattaching one of said first ends to one of said second ends.
 2. Aconveyor belt with advertising comprising: at least one belting member,said belting member having a first predetermined length, an uppersurface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and firstand second ends; a white base coating, said white base coating beingadhered to said upper surface; at least one advertising image, saidadvertising image being printed upon said white base coating; and meansfor removably attaching one of said first ends to one of said secondends.
 3. A conveyor belt with advertising comprising: at least onebelting member, said belting member having a first predetermined length,an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edgesand first and second ends; a vinyl size coating, said vinyl size coatingbeing applied to said upper surface; a white base coating, said whitebase coating being adhered to said upper surface over said vinyl sizecoating; at least one advertising image, said advertising image beingprinted upon said white base coating; and means for removably attachingone of said first ends to one of said second ends.
 4. A conveyor beltwith advertising comprising: at least one belting member, said beltingmember having a first predetermined length, a upper surface, a lowersurface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends;said belting member being formed of either of white and light-coloredmaterial; a vinyl size coating, said vinyl size coating being applied tosaid upper surface; at least one advertising image, said advertisingimage being printed upon said vinyl size coating; and means forremovably attaching one of said first ends to one of said second ends.5. A conveyor belt with advertising as described in claims 1-4, whereinsaid belting member is formed of materials having anti-staticproperties.
 6. A conveyor belt with advertising as described in claims1-4, wherein said belting member is formed of polyvinyl chloridematerial and said upper surface has a matte smooth surface having ahardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro.
 7. A conveyor belt with advertisingas described in claims 1-4, wherein the predetermined length of saidbelting member is less than an entire length of said conveyor belt,permitting replacement of a portion of said entire length of saidconveyor belt.
 8. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising,comprising the following steps: developing advertising images forprinting onto at least one belting member; preparing a color separationimage for each color to be printed on said belting member for saidadvertising image; preparing means to print each of said colorseparation images successively onto said belting member, said separationimages to be printed in registration with one another; providing atleast one belting member, said belting member having a firstpredetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first andsecond parallel side edges and first and second ends; cleaning saidbelting member to remove any contaminants; applying a white base coatingto said upper surface; printing each of said color separation imagessuccessively onto said belting member in registration with one another;curing the advertising image on the belting member; supporting thebelting member to prevent either of flexing and contact with saidadvertising image for a predetermined post cure period; inspecting saidbelting members for printing defects; and connecting attaching means toeach of said first and second ends.
 9. A method for making a conveyorbelt with advertising, comprising the following steps: developingadvertising images for printing onto at least one belting member;preparing a color separation image for each color to be printed on saidbelting member for said advertising image; preparing means to print eachof said color separation images successively onto said belting member,said separation images to be printed in registration with one another;providing at least one belting member, said belting member having afirst predetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first andsecond parallel side edges and first and second ends; cleaning saidbelting member to remove any contaminants; printing each of said colorseparation images successively onto said belting member in registrationwith one another; curing the advertising image on the belting member;supporting the belting member to prevent either of flexing and contactwith said advertising image for a predetermined post cure period;inspecting said belting members for printing defects; and connectingattaching means to each of said first and second ends.
 10. A method formaking a conveyor belt with advertising, comprising the following steps:developing advertising images for printing onto at least one beltingmember; preparing a color separation image for each color to be printedon said belting member for said advertising image; preparing means toprint each of said color separation images successively onto saidbelting member, said separation images to be printed in registrationwith one another; providing at least one belting member, said beltingmember having a first predetermined length, an upper surface, a lowersurface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends;cleaning said belting member to remove any contaminants; coating theupper surface of said belting member with a vinyl size material;applying a white base coating to said upper surface over said vinyl sizematerial; printing each of said color separation images successivelyonto said belting member in registration with one another; curing theadvertising image on the belting member; supporting the belting memberto prevent either of flexing and contact with said advertising image fora predetermined post cure period; inspecting said belting members forprinting defects; and connecting attaching means to each of said firstand second ends.
 11. A method for making a conveyor belt withadvertising, comprising the following steps: developing advertisingimages for printing onto at least one belting member; preparing a colorseparation image for each color to be printed on said belting member forsaid advertising image; preparing means to print each of said colorseparation images successively onto said belting member, said separationimages to be printed in registration with one another; providing atleast one belting member, said belting member having a firstpredetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first andsecond parallel side edges and first and second ends; said beltingmember being formed of either of white and light-colored material;cleaning said belting member to remove any contaminants; coating theupper surface of said belting member with a vinyl size material;printing each of said color separation images successively onto saidbelting member in registration with one another; curing the advertisingimage on the belting member; supporting the belting member to preventeither of flexing and contact with said advertising image for apredetermined post cure period; inspecting said belting members forprinting defects; and connecting attaching means to each of said firstand second ends.
 12. A method for making a conveyor belt withadvertising as described in claims 8-11, wherein the advertising imagesare prepared in digital format and the color separation images areproduced from said digital format.
 13. A method for making a conveyorbelt with advertising as described in claims 8-11, wherein the means toprint each of said color separation images successively onto saidbelting member is a silkscreen process.
 14. A method for making aconveyor belt with advertising as described in claims 8-11, wherein themeans to print each of said color separation images successively ontosaid belting member is an offset printing process.
 15. A method formaking a conveyor belt with advertising as described in claims 8-11,wherein the means to print each of said color separation imagessuccessively onto said belting member is a flexographic printingprocess.
 16. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claims 8-11, wherein said belting member is formed ofmaterials having anti-static properties.
 17. A method for making aconveyor belt with advertising as described in claims 8-11, wherein saidbelting member is formed of polyvinyl chloride material and said uppersurface has a matte smooth surface having a hardness ranging from 80 to90 duro.
 18. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claims 8-11, wherein said belting member is cleaned using asolution comprising agents chosen from the group comprising: methylalcohol and toluene.
 19. A method for making a conveyor belt withadvertising as described in claims 8-11, wherein the advertising imageto be printed is composed of only spot colors and the inks printed onthe belting member are conventional inks.
 20. A method for making aconveyor belt with advertising as described in claims 8-11, wherein theadvertising image to be printed is a four-color process image and theinks printed on the belting member are ultraviolet ink.
 21. A method formaking a conveyor belt with advertising as described in claim 20,wherein the inks are cured using an ultraviolet light source, saidultraviolet light source having a power rating from 100 watts to 300watts.
 22. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claim 21, wherein the belting member is moved under theultraviolet light source at a speed ranging from 20 to 40 feet perminute.
 23. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claims 8-11, wherein the post cure period ranges from 48 to72 hours.
 24. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claim 8 or claim 10, further comprising the steps of:preparing a silkscreen for each color separation image; registering afirst of said silk screens to said belting member; printing a firstcolor ink on said belting member through said first silkscreen over saidwhite base coating; removing said first silkscreen; and registering,printing through and removing succeeding silk screens for eachadditional color ink for each advertising image.
 25. A method for makinga conveyor belt with advertising as described in claim 9 or claim 11,further comprising the steps of: preparing a silkscreen for each colorseparation image; registering a first of said silk screens to saidbelting member; printing a first color ink on said belting memberthrough said first silkscreen; removing said first silkscreen; andregistering, printing through and removing succeeding silk screens foreach additional color ink for each advertising image.
 26. A method formaking a conveyor belt with advertising as described in claim 24 orclaim 25, wherein the preparation of a silkscreen for each colorseparation image further comprises the steps of: preparing a filmnegative for each color separation image; preparing a frame for eachsilkscreen; tensioning and securing each silkscreen to one of saidframes; registering the film negative on the silkscreen; exposing thescreen to a metal halide light source for a period of time ranging fromfour to seven minutes; and removing the film negative from thesilkscreen.
 27. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claim 26, wherein the film negative is capable of yieldingan image having a resolution of at least 84 lines per screen and 600dots per inch.
 28. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertisingas described in claim 26, wherein the silk screens are tensioned on theframes with a force 14-25 newtons.
 29. A method for making a conveyorbelt with advertising as described in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein thesilkscreen has a mesh count ranging between 230 and 420 cells per squareinch.
 30. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the ink is comprised of anadhesion component and a colored ink component.
 31. A method for makinga conveyor belt with advertising as described in claim 30, wherein theadhesion component is comprised of an adhesion promoter and a mixingclear agent, said adhesion promoter being 0.05% to 20% of said adhesioncomponent by weight with said mixing clear agent being the correspondingpercentage of said adhesion component by weight.
 32. A method for makinga conveyor belt with advertising as described in claim 30, wherein theink is comprised of 0.05% to 20% adhesion component by weight with saidcolored ink component being the corresponding percentage of said ink byweight.
 33. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claim 30, wherein the colored ink component is comprisedof: acrylated oligomers 20-55% by weight; n-vinyl-2pyrrolidone 12-25% byweight; and acrylated monomers 8-20% by weight.
 34. A method for makinga conveyor belt with advertising as described in claim 31, wherein theadhesion promoter is comprised of: urethane 10-20% by weight; xylen20-25% by weight; and n-vinyl pyrrolidone 10-20% by weight.
 35. A methodfor making a conveyor belt with advertising as described in claim 31,wherein the mixing clear agent is comprised of: acrylated monomers20-60% by weight; furanone 5-10% by weight; and cyclohexanome 10-20% byweight.
 36. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the vinyl size material iscomprised of: methyl isobutyl ketone 10-20% by weight;1,3,6-trimethylbenzene 5-10% by weight; xylene 1-5% by weight; vinylresin 6-10% by weight; light aromatic solvent naptha 20-30% by weight;isophorone 5-10% by weight; vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic acidterpolyme 1-5% by weight; pseudocumene 20-30% by weight; and cumene 1-5%by weight.
 37. A conveyor belt with advertising as described in claims1-4, wherein said belting member comprises a top surface coating formedof polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
 38. A conveyor belt with advertising asdescribed in claims 1-4, wherein said belting member comprises laterallystiff fabric having polyester warp and weft threads.
 39. A conveyor beltwith advertising as described in claims 1-4, wherein said belting memberhas an approximate cover hardness of 65 duro shore A.
 40. A conveyorbelt with advertising as described in claims 1-4, wherein said uppersurface of said belting member has a matt finish.
 41. A conveyor beltwith advertising as described in claims 1-4, wherein said means forremovably attaching one of said first ends to one of said second endscomprises a plurality of individual hooks welded to a common bar.
 42. Anapparatus for making a conveyor belt with advertising, comprising: aroll of flexible belting material, said belting material having a whiteupper surface; a first motor driven geared winding stand, said firstwinding stand supporting said roll of belting material; a roll-feddigital plotter, said plotter operating at a speed compatible with saidfirst winding stand; printing ink, said printing ink being formulatedfor use with said plotter and being suitable for permanent printing uponsaid upper surface of said belting material; a digital image ofadvertising material, said digital image being stored on either ofmagnetic and optical media; means for transmitting said digital image tosaid plotter; a drying chamber, said drying chamber drying said inkafter said belting material passes through said plotter; a second motordriven geared winding stand, said second winding stand operating at aspeed compatible with said plotter and being configured and disposed toreceive said belting material from said drying chamber; a coatingmaterial; a coating station, said coating station being disposedadjacent said second winding stand and applying said coating material tosaid upper surface of said belting material after printing; anultraviolet dryer, said ultraviolet dryer drying said coating material;a third motor driven geared winding stand, said third winding standoperating at a speed compatible with said second winding stand and beingconfigured and disposed to receive said belting material from saidultraviolet dryer; a cutting station, said cutting station serving totrim said belting material into a series of belting members; saidbelting members having a first predetermined length, first and secondparallel side edges and first and second ends; and a finishing station,said finishing station serving to affix means for removably attachingone of said first ends to one of said second ends and preparing saidbelting members for shipment.
 43. An apparatus for making a conveyorbelt with advertising, as described in claim 42, further comprising: araster image processing station, said raster image processing stationproviding color management, color density adjustment and the use ofInternational Color Consortium profiles.
 44. An apparatus for making aconveyor belt with advertising, as described in claim 42, furthercomprising a color calibration tool.
 45. An apparatus for making aconveyor belt with advertising, as described in claim 42, wherein saidink is comprised of: propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate 20-30% byweight; 2-butoxyethanol acetate 50-80% by weight; resin mixture 3-4% byweight; and pigment mixture 4-6% by weight.
 46. An apparatus for makinga conveyor belt with advertising, as described in claim 42, wherein saidcoating material is comprised of: n-methyl pyrrolidinone less than 10%by weight; 1-mathoxy-2-propanol (PM) less than 5% by weight; aromatichydrocarbon mixture less than 5% by weight; ultraviolet absorber lessthan 5% by weight; and dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether less than 5%by weight.
 47. A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising,comprising the following steps: providing a roll of flexible beltingmaterial, said belting material having a white upper surface; providinga first motor driven geared winding stand, said first winding standsupporting said roll of belting material; providing a roll-fed digitalplotter, said plotter operating at a speed compatible with said firstwinding stand; providing printing ink, said printing ink beingformulated for use with said plotter and being suitable for permanentprinting upon said upper surface of said belting material; providing adigital image of advertising material; storing said digital image oneither of magnetic and optical media; unwinding said belting materialfrom said first winding stand; feeding said belting material into saidplotter; transmitting said digital image to said plotter; printing saiddigital image on said upper surface of said belting material; providinga drying chamber; drying said ink after said belting material passesthrough said plotter; providing a second motor driven geared windingstand, said second winding stand operating at a speed compatible withsaid plotter and being configured and disposed to receive said beltingmaterial from said drying chamber; winding said belting material ontosaid second winding stand; providing coating material; providing acoating station, said coating station being disposed adjacent saidsecond winding stand; unwinding said belting material from said secondwinding stand; feeding said belting material from said second windingstand into said coating station; coating said upper surface of saidbelting material after printing; providing an ultraviolet dryer; dryingsaid coating material using said ultraviolet dryer; providing a thirdmotor driven geared winding stand, said third winding stand operating ata speed compatible with said second winding stand and being configuredand disposed to receive said belting material from said ultravioletdryer; winding said belting material onto said third winding stand;providing a cutting station; unwinding said belting material from saidthird winding stand; feeding said belting material into said cuttingstation; trimming said belting material into a series of beltingmembers; said belting members having a first predetermined length, firstand second parallel side edges and first and second ends; and providinga finishing station; moving said belting members into said finishingstation; and affixing means for removably attaching one of said firstends to one of said second ends and preparing said belting members forshipment.